http://crcareers.thegreatbasininstitute.org/careers/careers.aspx?rf=ECOLOG&req=2016-ACI-038
Member will provide national service at Bureau of Land Management, a host site for the AmeriCorps Intern Program. Description: The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), is recruiting two (2) Native Seed Interns to join our AmeriCorps program to conduct seed collecting and ecological restoration activities throughout BLM Northern Nevada lands. Primary Responsibilities: • Scouting and identifying populations of target native plant species suitable for the program; • Monitoring and maintenance of reciprocal transplant study plots; • GPS mapping populations of plants, disturbance areas, and other features; • Monitoring the phenology of plant populations to identify optimal seed collection times; • Collecting seed from plant populations and completing data forms in accordance with the Seeds of Success (SOS) Technical Protocol; • Taking herbarium vouchers, and processing and shipping seed as necessary. • Recording data electronically and on paper data forms, entering and editing data related to restoration activities; • Participating in restoration projects, including planting native plants, watering plants, repairing fences, removing non-native plants; • Assisting with the coordination of volunteer seed collection and restoration events; • Assisting with the coordination of conservation crew work; • Provide support for arid land restoration projects; • Reporting accomplishments and providing recommendations for program improvements, priorities, and future projects. Related Responsibilities: ● Participate in trainings provided by BLM and US Fish & Wildlife staff and community partners; ● Meet with Host Site Supervisor on a regular basis; ● Participate in required national service days; and ● Participate in regular AmeriCorps team meetings. Physical Demands: Field work involves hiking off designated trails or routes, across rugged terrain, up to 10 miles per day, but more typically 2-4 miles per day. Weather conditions will vary from cold winds or rain in the early spring to temperatures over 100F in the summer. The use of global positioning systems (handheld GPS units), computers, PDAs, digital cameras, and on- and off-road vehicles are an essential part of the job. Camping under primitive conditions at remote locations on data collection trips will sometimes be required. Incumbents must also be willing to spend days at a time working at a computer during periods of data entry and analysis. • Lift up to 50-70 pounds of material or equipment • Bend, lift, pull, and push • Crouch, stoop, kneel, stand, or bend for long periods of time • Walk for long periods of time on uneven surfaces carrying equipment • Be outside in extreme heat or cold (depending upon the season) • Work 10+ hour days • Travel overnight or up to 8 days at a time for project work Compensation: 1. Living Allowance stipend=*$12,220 2. AmeriCorps Education Award**$2,887.50 3. Medical, dental and vision insurance provided at no cost * Final living allowance amount and AmeriCorps Education Award value are determined by the length of the appointment **AmeriCorps Education Award may be used for past, present or future education experiences, including payment of qualifying federal student loans. Loan forbearance and accrued interest payment on qualifying student loans is also available. Location: The interns will be based out of the BLM Nevada State office, which is located in Reno, NV. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) administers 47.5 million acres of public land in Nevada. Crews will rove between multiple locations across the Northern BLM districts of the state. The area is home to historic mining and ranching that conjure up images of the Wild West. Nevada's mountain ranges and wide open valleys are home to wildlife, livestock and wild horses and burros. Reno: The Reno-Sparks metropolitan area is home to approximately 500,000 people and offers year-round recreation opportunities, a vibrant urban scene and numerous community events. Reno has over 300 days of sunshine and four distinct seasons. Located on the northwestern edge of Nevada, Reno is a great home base from which to travel to Lake Tahoe, Sierra Nevada range, San Francisco and more! Timeline: o April 2017 –October 2017 Qualifications: • Bachelor’s degree with coursework and field experience related to biology, botany, ecology, plant science, or related field; • Experience identifying plants using taxonomic keys or familiarity with plants of the Great Basin; • Work independently or in pairs with little supervision and high attention to detail; • Strong interpersonal skills and willingness to work as part of a tight knit team; • Experience using hand-held GPS equipment for data collection and navigation; • Ability to read and navigate using topographic maps and a compass; • Understanding and/or experience using ArcView GIS software, helpful; • Willingness and ability to work in harsh, ever-changing desert conditions, including extreme temperatures, independently or as part of a team; • Ability to bend and stoop for long periods of time while collecting seed, and to use hand tools, and occasionally lift buckets of water and other heavy loads; • Ability to work a non-standard schedule, such as beginning at 5 am, to avoid heat-related issues, or for coordination with team members. • Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, with a diverse audience; • Willingness to camp in remote, undeveloped sites for multiple days; • Valid, state-issued driver’s license and familiarity driving 4WD vehicles on- and off-road; • Experience operating All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) on difficult terrain helpful; and • Meet AmeriCorps eligibility requirements: (1) U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status, (2) eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award (limit of four in a lifetime, or equivalent of two full-time terms of service), (3) pass National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) and federal criminal background checks, (4) adhere to the rules, regulations and code of conduct as specified in the Member Service Agreement; and (5) will not engage in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement; and How to Apply: Please follow this link to apply directly through our online portal: http://crcareers.thegreatbasininstitute.org/careers/careers.aspx?rf=ECOLOG&req=2016-ACI-038 The Great Basin Institute conforms to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information & Testing, Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We prohibit retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or otherwise oppose discrimination. These AmeriCorps positions are made possible by a generous grant from the Nevada Commission for National and Community Service.
